Accompanying Rape Suspect, GPS Requests Review of Orphanage Suspension in Buleleng
Gede Pasek Suardika (GPS) has been appointed as the legal counsel for I Made Wijaya, also known as Jro Mangku Wijaya Dangin. Wijaya is the suspect in a case of rape and assault against children at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage in Jagaraga Village, Sawan Subdistrict, Buleleng, Bali.
GPS has highlighted the plan to suspend the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage amid the ongoing legal process. He believes that the suspension policy requires careful consideration, particularly regarding its impact on the children still living at the orphanage.
“My current concern is the children who are still there. If the orphanage is suspended, there needs to be clarity on the scheme for handling them,” GPS stated during a press conference in Buleleng on Friday (3/4/2026).
GPS said there are around 18 children still at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage. According to him, these dozen children need certainty in handling if the orphanage is indeed suspended.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that to date, there has been no detailed explanation regarding the plan from the relevant parties, including the Social Services Office. GPS assessed that the psychological condition of several children at the orphanage is very vulnerable. Especially if they are suddenly relocated if the orphanage is closed.
“Handling does not only concern physical aspects, but also the psychological condition of the children,” added the former Democrat Party politician.
Foundation Chairman Becomes Suspect
Previously reported, the case of assault to rape against children at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage has drawn public attention. The Buleleng Police Resort has named the foundation chairman, I Made Wijaya alias Jro Mangku Wijaya Dangin (57), as a suspect and immediately detained him.
Buleleng Police Chief, AKBP Ruzi Gusman, revealed indications of intimidation in the child assault to rape case at the orphanage. Police suspect Wijaya pressured the victims not to provide statements to investigators.
“We had to carry out detention because there is information and indications that the suspect attempted to intimidate other victims so that those victims did not want to give open statements,” Ruzi explained on Thursday (2/4).
Police also uncovered new facts in handling the assault and rape case at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage. The suspect is alleged to have carried out his depraved actions repeatedly. There are seven orphanage children suspected to be victims of physical or sexual violence.
“Based on investigation results, it was found that the suspect not only committed the crime against one victim, but also against several children under his care,” Ruzi revealed.
Previously, the Bali Social Services, Women’s Empowerment, and Child Protection (P3A) Office threatened to revoke the permit for the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage. The plan to revoke the permit was due to the orphanage owner being named as a suspect.
“If the court ruling determines that the suspect is indeed guilty, the permit (for the orphanage) will be revoked in accordance with Permensos,” said the Head of the Bali Social Services P3A Office, Anak Agung Sagung Mas Dwipayani, on Tuesday (31/3).